The U.K. independent gambling resource GambleAware has initiated a first-of-its-kind campaign to help as many as 1 million women thought to be at risk of gambling harms.
According to the Guardian newspaper, GambleAware cited new statistics showing activity on gambling websites popular with women rises in the winter months, with the volume between December and March up by 29 percent compared to the rest of the year.
The research indicates that two in five women with increased levels of gambling may not seek help because of the stigma associated with the activity. GambleAware notes that people who spent too much time and money on gambling and then hide the activity could have a problem.
The number of women in treatment for a gambling disorder has doubled in recent years, from 1,134 in 2015-16 to 2,423 in 2020-21, according to data from the National Gambling Treatment Service. That may be the tip of the iceberg, GambleAware said.
GambleAware Chief Executive Zoe Osmond said: “We are launching this new gambling harms prevention campaign at a time when there may be up to a million women at risk of gambling harms.
“Our research shows women may not be aware they are starting to experience harm from gambling or, may be worried about reaching out for support due to stigma or shame.
“That’s why our campaign highlights the warning signs to look out for, so we can support women who gamble and prevent them from developing gambling harms.”
Gambling addiction expert and counsellor Liz Karter said: “Gambling behaviors manifest themselves differently in women than men. For example, we know the easy availability of online gambling leads many women to games which appear innocent and socially acceptable. The games seem safe and familiar, as they are so similar to the free play digital games we are all now used to playing.
“In addition, the hopes of financial gains can prove a powerful motivator.
“While gambling doesn’t always lead to harm, it’s vital women are aware of early warning signs including losing track of time, incurring increasing debt, or a tendency to hide gambling from others or gambling to forget their problems.”
In related news, an editorial in the British Medical Journal said the gaming industry should not be involved in any discussion about prevention of gambling harms. The publication blasted the industry approach of providing support for those at risk rather than target the root cause.
“We do not allow tobacco companies to design tobacco control policies, yet the gambling industry, through the organizations it funds, shapes our responses to the harms,” according to the Journal. “A public health approach would learn from the growing research on commercial determinants of health and how concepts such as corporate social responsibility are often abused.”
The report added: “Is it really acceptable for many families to contribute substantial amounts of their diminishing disposable income to gambling companies, exploited by pervasive advertising holding out illusory prospects of winnings?”
